Update:
First Descendant developer Nexon has released a new statement apologizing for the confusion caused by a recent “misinterpretation” in the translation of a statement from the game’s director, which led to the publication of a post suggesting that all of the looter shooter’s grinding spots would be improved.
In a new post on Twitter, Nexon says, “No decisions have been reversed and our original statement remains that we have no plans to restrict the Valby-run playstyle.” However, the goal is to “adjust the efficiency of rewards at Fortress Outpost to balance it with other regions,” and not the other way around.
The statement previously suggested that other farming spots would be made as efficient as the Vulgus Strategic Outpost in the fortress, but in reality, the beloved Destiny-style loot cave is being adapted to match the rest of the game’s farming spots.
The newly adjusted translation reads: “So we would like to inform you that we are preparing a patch without completely blocking the Fortress Outpost issue and allowing players to enjoy playing as before. However, at the same time, we will update the Fortress – Vulgus Strategic Outpost to match the efficiency of other farm locations.”
Original story:
First Descendant developer Nexon has decided not to address an unintended “problem” with its looter-shooter by fixing it, but by keeping and expanding it due to positive player feedback.
Since The First Descendant launched earlier this month, players have discovered that the game has been home to a Destiny-style loot cave at the Strategic Outpost in the Fortress, which has been providing players with stacks of EXP, gold, and resources thanks to a strategy called the Valby Run. By utilizing the DPS character Valby, and specifically her Clean Up skill, which allows her to skate in a liquid state and deal damage to enemies in her path, you can literally run circles around constantly respawning enemies.
Of course, it didn’t take long for the developers to notice the sheer volume of players coming here to zoom around the area again and again, and action is now being taken, but not in the way you might expect. In a rack Posted on The First Descendant’s website by director Minseok Joo, it confirms that this farming method was “certainly not intended” and that mobs in the location were able to respawn infinitely due to a “systematic error.” The director continues, “In order to preserve our game and continue to be loved by our players for a long time, we feel it is wrong to just sit back and let unbalanced content that offers biased rewards lie.”
Hello, this is Director Minseok Joo. We are aware of the “Valby Run” issue. Instead of removing it, we will be updating other farm locations to match the efficiency, similar to The Fortress Outpost. We are preparing for a hotfix (patch 1.0. 4) to address this. Thanks for your… pic.twitter.com/EgfQxatar5July 21, 2024
But here comes the twist. “But since Valby Run became popular very quickly within our community, we assume that many players have explored Valby to enjoy the newly discovered content,” the director adds. “The current issue clearly arose from our own mistake, but we don’t want to remove it just like that. Because it has already become a solid content of TFD.
“So we want to inform you that we are preparing a patch without completely blocking the issue of The Fortress Outpost and allowing players to enjoy playing as before. However, at the same time, we will update other farm locations to match the efficiency, similar to The Fortress Outpost.”
Furthermore, the director notes that while the developers continue to work on The First Descendant, “we do not plan to respond by simply nerfing certain content for gameplay that conflicts with our intentions.” So it certainly sounds like Nexon is planning to take a similar approach to strategies like this that may or may not be revealed in the future, which is a huge win for the live service game that you don’t see very often. Enjoy your upcoming new farming spots, folks.
While you’re here, be sure to check out our guide to The Best Characters of The First Descendant and how to unlock them.